Malaysia: Global Biodiversity Hub To Help Develop Marine Resources

Bernama 10 Oct 11;

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The set- up of a Global Biodiversity Hub (GBH) in Sabah will help in the sustainable development of marine resources within the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI).

Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Aman, said a management board, with members drawn from key stakeholder groups, would oversee GBH, an accredited body to manage and develop marine resources.

He said this at a media briefing after the opening of the second CTI Regional Business Forum 2011 today.

Also present was Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.

Musa said the Coral Triangle represented the highest diversity of marine life, covering 75 per cent of all coral species known to science.

"It is also home to over 3,000 species of reef fish and refuge for six of the world's seven species of marine turtles.

"We must be mindful of the negative repercussions, including loss of income and reliable food supply, for the over 120 million people who depend on resources within the Coral Triangle," he said.

He said the total monetary value of coral reefs, mangroves and associated natural habitats may come up to US$2.3 billion yearly in terms of fisheries, tourism and related activities.

Meanwhile, Ongkili said the role of the GBH was to reach the fishermen community as well as improve the livelihoods of farmers, with the role led by private sector with the government as a coordinator.

GBH is a project under Economic Transformation Programme Chapter 10.

The hub is led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, while the CTI is led by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The funding for the hub is estimated at RM896 million over 10 years (2010-2020), with about 70 per cent contribution from the private sector.

The hub is expected to generate a gross national income of RM1.5 billion with 2,900 new jobs created.

CTI is a partnership founded on the commitment of the six Coral Triangle countries -- Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste -- to safeguard coastal and marine resources and communities.

Sabah is the only state in Malaysia located within this marine region.

It is also part of the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Eco-region which lies at the apex of the Coral Triangle.

-- BERNAMA